Engfors has reportedly been battling alcoholism and suffering the loss of his business, his home and his marriage, according to 9News.

It seemed that there was nothing left for Engfors to strive for, but he never lost hope that he would one-day get back on his feet.

Last Friday he used the little money he had to purchase a $10 lottery scratch card at a local gas station and discovered upon scratching off the numbers, he had won!

Jeremy Kowalis — from Aspen Homeless Shelter where Engfors often stays — said, “Michael has seen a bottom that has pushed him right to the edge but Michael never gave up. He knew that if he kept pushing on, eventually his luck would change.”

Prior to this big jackpot, Engfors had only ever won a few dollars here and there, according to store clerk, Gabby Garcia, who reportedly said he was a regular customer.

Engfors plans to use his winnings to buy a home and a pair of skis (because, you need those in Colorado!) as well as begin to search for his daughter whom he hasn’t seen in 20 years.

“He's interested in trying to find out how to go about reaching her and reconnecting with her, now that he's got a little bit more means to do so,” Kowalis said.

“It's such a great story,” he added. “It's really inspired so many people, because out of all of the people, especially in Aspen, Colorado, that could win half a million dollars, it couldn't happen to a better type of person than somebody who actually uses the homeless shelter.”

“I don't think he normally spends $10 a day on a lottery ticket. But he did that day, and it sure paid off.”

Engfors' story is one that proves one big leap of faith can change your life drastically.

A practical person would have condemned Engfors for spending $10 , which could have afforded him a meal, on a lottery ticket but if he had been thinking practically ... he wouldn't be collecting half a million dollars now.